| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
Gear Review: Granite Gear AirVent DryBlocs Solid Stuffsacks
Don't let the these light weight stuffsakcs fool you, they keep your gear dry in the wettest conditions.
Outfit Your Kids: Fall '09 Kids' Gear Reviews
Want to enjoy more time on the trail? It's simple: Bring the whole family, but make sure the kids stay comfortable with gear built for them.
Gear School: Raingear
Understand waterproofing, and you'll pick the right shell and keep it working like new.
Gear Lab: Boots Torture Test
Can any hiking boot survive 15 minutes in a cement mixer filled with rocks, sticks, dirt, and bricks? Gear Lab aims to find out.
Gear Lab: Tents Torture Test
Who wants a mountain tent that buckles under pressure? Not us--so we blasted four top tents with a carwash pressure washer to see which one comes out on top.
Gear Lab: Sleeping Bag Torture Test
Can any sleeping bag survive getting squished by a 4,000-pound car? Find out in this video.
What's the Ideal Glove System?
Can you recommend a good glove system for colder hikes? Should I bring one pair or two? What should they be made of? Oh, and with longer gloves that bungee up my wrist, should that portion go over or under my jacket sleeve?
What's the Proper Teeth-Brushing Procedure in the Woods?
Is there one? Should I brush my teeth differently on the trail?
Softshell vs. Hardshell?
It's getting cold out there--when do I need a hardshell and when do I need a softshell? I've never really understood the difference and when to use which jacket. Help!
Gear Review: Granite Gear AirVent DryBlocs Solid StuffsacksDon't let the these light weight stuffsakcs fool you, they keep your gear dry in the wettest conditions. 
Outfit Your Kids: Fall '09 Kids' Gear ReviewsWant to enjoy more time on the trail? It's simple: Bring the whole family, but make sure the kids stay comfortable with gear built for them. 
Gear School: RaingearUnderstand waterproofing, and you'll pick the right shell and keep it working like new. |
Gear Review: Montrail Mountain Masochist Trail ShoeThis light, breathable and water resistant trail runner is great for technical terrain and many miles. 
Gear Review: First Ascent Big Tahoma BackpackTrek for many days and miles with this lightweight, supportive, durable and highly waterproof pack. 
Gear Reviews: Tents for Every TripFrom ultralight solo shelters to all-conditions mountain tents, here are 10 models that will survive the worst weather so you can enjoy the best night out. |
Winter Trek XTMThese boots are by far some of the most comfortable boots (while still providing rigidity and support) that I have ever worn! I put 30 ... Read more Trail Dome 4I have owned this tent for a few months now and all I can say is THIS TENT ROCKS! I have used it on a few trips where it poured rain ... Read more Crestone 75This pack is incredible! Super spacious and very durable would be the best two words to describe it. The only complaint I have so far ... Read more |
Rock 22Great tent I purchased this summer and it is a dream come true. I am six foot two and there is a lot of headroom plus I can really ... Read more ORION 2Great Tent, Great Price! I stumbled upon this tent while in REI in Asheville. I was intent on buying another tent that I had been ... Read more 
Titan 3P 3-SeasonGreat tent. Perfect simple design. All mesh, which is great for ventilation. The fly covers the entire tent. Two large vestibules ... Read more |
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Gear Photos + Videos
Gear Lab: Boots Torture TestCan any hiking boot survive 15 minutes in a cement mixer filled with rocks, sticks, dirt, and bricks? Gear Lab aims to find out. |
Gear Lab: Tents Torture TestWho wants a mountain tent that buckles under pressure? Not us--so we blasted four top tents with a carwash pressure washer to see which one comes out on top. |
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Ask the Expert
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Q.}
Kristin, can you recommend a good glove system for colder hikes? Should I bring one pair or two? What should they be made of? Oh, and with longer gloves that bungee up my wrist, should that portion go over or under my jacket sleeve?
Submitted by: Aaron, New Town, PA
A.}
1. An inner glove that provides good warmth when used with the shell, but can also be worn alone when it’s warmer or you’re on the move. 2. A waterproof or water-resistant /breathable shell with good dexterity and grip. Here are a couple staff favorites: Black Diamond Pursuit Gloves Mountain Hardwear Medusa Gloves Outdoor Research Alti Mitts (top left) As for those long cuffs, a.k.a. gauntlets, they’re designed to be worn outside the cuff of your jacket to prevent water, spindrift snow, and cold drafts from attacking your wrists. Oh, and here’s a tip: On a multiday trip, handwear inevitably gets damp, and that sucks. Bring your gloves/mitts inside your bag with you each night and place them near your torso (the warmest part of your body) to dry out. Often things that you stuff down at the bottom of your bag just get stay damp—and infest your bag with dampness. —KRISTIN |
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TIP 57: Protect Your Pics
Keep grit and moisture out of your camera's housing by packing your camera in a padded case lashed to your shoulder strap or hipbelt.
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Backpacker's Gadget Guide 2009
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